Illustrates the qualitative nature of the differences between reform courses and traditional courses based on the types of student questions and comments generated in reform classes ranging from college algebra to multivariable calculus. (AIM)

Investigated the effect of mathematics instruction with the aid of microcomputer illustrations on the achievement of college students enrolled in an intermediate algebra course. There was a treatment effect on the comprehensive final examination. (YP)

Diagnoses of students' performance on procedural mathematical tasks need to display a certain level of stability and robustness if they are to be used as the basis for remediation, particularly with computer-delivered instruction. The purpose of this study was to compare two diagnostic approaches for describing students' (n=231) errors in algebra…

Reports that as the number of students required to complete developmental mathematics courses increase, faculty turn to the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) standards as guidelines for better instructional methods. Describes the necessity for educators to decide how graphing calculators can be used most effectively…

Instructional strategies are presented that illustrate ways of developing students' understanding of nonnumerical notation that are compatible with a constructivist stance. The concepts of using letters to represent a range of values and those used to represent unknowns are discussed. (KR)

Discussed is a method of approximating the roots of a quadratic that allows the discovery of relationships between parabolas and circles and between the use of geometry and algebra. Included are the procedure and justification of the method. (KR)

Describes a study examining the effect of hand-held calculators on student achievement in college developmental mathematics classes. Finds no significant differences between control and treatment groups, indicating that students who used calculators scored slightly lower on posttests but achieved higher final course grades as a group than control…

Discussed are student mathematical background, computing skills, and case studies/field studies as they relate to business studies. A list of basic skills for tertiary business studies is provided including sigma notation, basic algebra, change, and solving equations. (CW)

Testing of junior and senior business students on algebra, calculus, and statistics problems revealed they retained little of what was covered in basic quantitative courses. Emphasis on student evaluation of teachers may create incentives for instructors to avoid challenging students in these courses. (SK)

Reviews six research articles involving the use of computers for mathematics instruction: (1) geometry skills; (2) calculus; (3) interactive videodisc in pre-calculus; (4) model for integrating computers in classroom; (5) computerized tutoring in applied algebra; and (6) software for enhancing problem-solving skills. (YP)

Identifies requisite math skills for a microeconomics course, offering samples of supply curves, demand curves, equilibrium prices, elasticity, and complex graph problems. Recommends developmental mathematics competencies, including problem solving, reasoning, connections, communication, number and operation sense, algebra, relationships,…

Discusses a method of implementing the computer algebra system DERIVE for diagnosis and remediation of basic difficulties in mathematics. Learning activities for junior high school students were developed, each directed at a different area of difficulty. The basic strategy implemented in these activities is replicating and completing examples.…

This document offers instructional materials for a 60-hour course on math operations involving decimals, fractions, proportions, statistics, probability, measurement, geometry, and linear algebra as applied in the workplace. The course was part of a workplace literacy project developed by Mercer County Community College (New Jersey) and its…

Examines reliability of seven mathematical abilities tests among Spanish- and English-speaking pre-algebra Hispanic students. Students tested in divergent thinking, general reasoning, field-dependence, math achievement, math prose reading, syllogistic reasoning, and word problems. All tests reliable for Spanish speakers; only four for…

Analyzes three popular series of primary textbooks to provide a picture of how the current curriculum contributes to the roles of establishing proficiency in arithmetic and proceptual thinking as a foundation for learning algebra. Shows that textbooks emphasize procedural knowledge and neglect developing a conceptual understanding of mathematics.…